Abdominoplasty: procedure, safety, side effects and benefits

Definition

What is an abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or 'tummy tuck', is a cosmetic surgery that flattens the stomach by removing extra fat and skin, and tightens the muscles in your abdominal wall.

You may choose to have abdominal reduction surgery if you have skin that accumulates around your navel area and weak lower abdominal wall. Tummy tuck can also improve your confidence in your body. To be specific,

• tummy tuck action is suitable for both men and women who are in good health
• women who have had several pregnancies can do this procedure which can be useful to tighten the abdominal muscles and reduce excess skin
• a tummy tuck procedure is also an option for men or women who used to be obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the stomach.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing an abdominoplasty?

The tummy tuck action isn't for everyone. Your doctor may be more cautious about tummy tuck surgery if you:

• have a sizeable weight loss plan or are considering a future pregnancy
• have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease, diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome
• smoke

It is important that you know the warnings and precautions before performing this operation. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

The first step is to select a surgeon and visit that doctor for a consultation.

Before carrying out the operation, you need to prepare the conditions in your home. You can ask your surgeon to tell you what to prepare.

You will also need someone to drive you home after the tummy tuck. If you live alone, you will need someone to stay with you for at least the first night. Make a plan for it.

This operation is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes two to five hours.

There are two types of abdominoplasty, including:

• Full abdominoplasty, which removes excess skin and tightens the muscles in the entire abdominal area, including around the navel
• Partial abdominoplasty, which removes excess skin under the navel and tightens the lower abdominal muscles only

In general, a full abdominoplasty usually involves the following processes:

1. The surgeon makes a horizontal, curved incision near the pubic hairline from one side of the hip to the other.
2. skin and fat tissue is removed from the underlying tissue
3. The surgeon will suture and tighten any loose muscles or abdominal muscles that separate
4. excess fat is removed
5. excess skin will be cut off
6. navel position is adjustable
7. The wound is closed with stitches, tape, or clips.

If you had partial or complete tummy tuck surgery, the operated area will be sutured and bandaged. It is important to follow all of your surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandages in the days following surgery.

You will have to severely limit strenuous activities for at least six weeks.

You may need up to a month of leave after surgery to ensure proper recovery. Your doctor will advise you on what you need to do or should not do.

If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.

Complications

All operations have some risks. A number of possible complications of abdominoplasty include:

• the anesthetic risks include allergic reactions, which may (rarely) be fatal
• surgical risks such as bleeding or infection
• blood clots that can lead to fatal cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, deep vein thrombosis or stroke
• damaged lungs
• fluid clumps under the wound
• tissue death along the wound or skin that is removed
• sensory nerve damage, which can cause prolonged or permanent numbness
• numbness in the thigh - this is usually temporary
• prolonged swelling
• asymmetry (unevenness) of the skin or navel
• navel not working
• invisible, inflamed or itchy scars
• follow-up surgery to treat complications

This is not a complete list. Your medical history and lifestyle can increase your risk of other complications. For example, patients who are overweight may develop chest infections. You will need to speak to your surgeon for more information.

If you have any questions about possible complications, please consult your doctor for more information.

Abdominoplasty or 'tummy tuck' is a type of surgery performed to tighten loose muscles, remove fat and excess loose skin from the abdomen. Many surgeons suggest that abdominoplasty should be considered only after the ideal body weight has been achieved through diet and exercise, so that this operation is only to tighten the looseness.

Having an abdominoplasty will not stop you from gaining excess weight in the future. It is better to talk to your surgeon about the risks and benefits of abdominoplasty, and what results you can expect.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.